Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-08-2023

ACCESS to clean and safe water has been improved , enhancing public health and well-being Currently, 97 per cent of the Coast has access to water

A dedicated family man, anchor for successive PPP/C governments

By Vanessa Narine

DR. Roger Forbes McDonald Luncheon was the anchor of successive PPP/C governments, serving five presidents, and was the architect of Guyana’s modern-day governance – focused on the big picture of national development, while managing to maintain his humanity in the way he engaged Guyanese with respect above all else.

This was the succinct encapsulation of the life of Dr. Luncheon, as iterated by long-time friend, comrade and colleague Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Gail Teixeira, during the ceremony to celebrate the life of the longstanding statesman at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), on Tuesday morning.

“Dr. Roger Luncheon was a man for all seasons – a brilliant mind with a huge heart, yet capable of shrewd decisions at critical times in our contemporary history. He blended the yin and yang of compassion and respect, of dignity and yet getting into the fray of things in politics, which were at times painful; the yin and yang of the big picture and the small, human foibles and vulnerabilities of each one of us.

“In each stage of our history over our last 40-odd years, even when his body became too frail and he railed against these realties, he remained steadfast to his Party, the people of Guyana and the

future. Today, we are here to celebrate the life of Dr. Roger Luncheon and to give him a good send off,” she said.

Teixeira added: “We are given one life to live and to live it to the fullest…Roger was a national treasure. He used the life he was given for good, for democracy, for progress, for human rights –for, in simple terms, a better world, a better place, a safer place. He used every ounce of his living, of his breathing for good and for change, and to stand by his country. This was a man who walked in the corridors of power, not only in Guyana, but overseas…yet he never changed “…we are here to give our beloved friend, comrade, political leader, father, companion, brother, grandfather the best sendoff we can – who deserved this and much more…he loved nothing more but a crowd, and so today, we have given him a crowd of people who loved him, people who respected and people who admired him; who he touched in many ways.”

LOYAL COMRADE

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Bharrat Jagdeo, in his tribute to Dr. Luncheon, hailed him as “one of the best sons” of Guyana, adding that despite his challenges, Comrade Luncheon was always present.

He said: “The People’s Progressive Party and our country have lost one of our best sons…his role in the PPP

was that of a central figure in the growth and development of the People’s Progressive Party. Despite his failing health, he saw it as important to be present for all our party meetings where we discussed the future and development of our party and country…. he was someone who gave practically his whole life in service to this country.”

Referring to the political struggles that Dr. Luncheon was central to, he noted that platitudes to his service and action to honour his service across many spheres, contributing significantly to national development, are different, as evidenced by the callousness of the PPP/C’s primary political opponent, the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition following his passing.

“Anyone who tries to destroy or taint Roger’s legacy, we in the PPP and I personally will defend that,” Jagdeo affirmed.

Another key contribution in the political struggle was Dr. Luncheon’s use of his “unmatched intellect” in challenging the false narrative of the PPP being a racist political party.

“He was an inconvenient thorn in their side…he was instrumental in bringing to the fore a fact-based rebuttal to their false narratives…importantly too, Roger kept the PPP grounded and the moment the PPP becomes elitist we will have failed in the purpose of our formation… Roger Luncheon means a lot to us the in the party and we will never be able to replace

him,” the PPP General Secretary stressed.

On a personal note, Jagdeo noted that on becoming a Cabinet Minister in 1993, he “landed a seat next to Roger” for Cabinet meetings and was exposed to invaluable guidance.

He said: “Roger was the best ally that a Minister of Finance, when I was Finance Minister, could have found, because he understood the challenges of the time…. without him holding the reign tightly as Head of the President Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, we would not have been able to make the progress we did. Roger should be a central figure not only to our political history, but also

in our economic history.”

Speaking to his years of Head of State, Jagdeo said: “In the period he served as Head of the President Secretariat and Secretary to the Cabinet, more than half of the period was under my presidency and the truth is that many presidents relied on Roger.”

He added: “…this country is richer; this country is wiser; this country is stronger because of Roger Luncheon, and I am proud to say that I worked with this gentleman and learned from this gentleman…I want to thank you, his family, for sharing Roger Luncheon with us. The PPP is poorer today with his loss.”

‘GOVERNMENTALIST’

Dr. Luncheon referred to himself as a “governmentalist,” and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that quintessentially, “Roger was loyal and that is why every president under which he served was honoured to work with him.”

He added: “…Roger was a key figure in the team-orientation of successive PPP/C governments…if we are to take away Roger’s life, take the word loyalty, it meant a lot to him.”

According to him, Dr. Luncheon, in public service, had a strong understanding of what Guyana’s future development required and

—‘Doc’ remembered for many important, pioneering roles in developing modern-day governance

Dr. Roger Forbes McDonald Luncheon was the anchor of successive PPP/C governments, serving five presidents, and was the architect of Guyana’s modern-day governance – focused on the big picture of national development, while managing to maintain his humanity in the way he engaged Guyanese with respect above all else (Japheth Savory photos)

A dedicated family man, anchor for...

From page 3

demanded.

“Dr. Luncheon wore many hats…Dr. Luncheon’s work ethic was the gold standard of public service,” he said, lauding the contributions he made in the decades of professional service.

On a note of personal reflection, Ali said, at a human level, Dr. Luncheon was respectful. “This indomitable spirit could not be defeated…he was special; he was unique; he was irreplaceable…today we lay him to rest with honours befitting a hero…today, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana [remembers him] as being among the most illustrious sons it has ever borne,” he said.

The Head of State announced that the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) building would be renamed in Dr. Luncheon’s honour to recognise his contribution.

“Roger Luncheon was no ordinary man…despite the high standing recognition and respect, which he acquired, Dr. Luncheon remained a regular man. He was un-

swayed by the allure of affluence; he was a grassroots man; he emerged out of the womb of the working class and never left it.

“His decision to stay clear of the glamour wasn’t an act of isolation, it was a conscious choice he made to stand shoulder to shoulder with those whose life mirrored his working-class origins…the unquestionable influence and authority, which Dr. Luncheon wielded as Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet did not cause him to be pompous, swell-headed or pretentious; he was dedicated and honoured the trust that was placed in him,” Ali declared.

DEDICATED FAMILY MAN

Dr. Luncheon’s children and siblings in tearful tributes lauded his qualities as father, grandfather, and brother.

“Sleep in peace, rise in glory my father,” said his daughter, Tamika Luncheon in a heartfelt tribute.

As part of the State funeral for Dr. Luncheon, the funeral procession passed several locations, including Office of the President and Freedom House, where

persons could pay their last respects to him.

At Freedom House, PPP Executives draped the Party flag over his casket as they joined by Party members, supporters, and others, to sing, for the final time, the party’s song and bid Dr. Luncheon farewell.

Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, and Police Commissioner (ag), Clifton Hicken, also paid tributes to Dr. Luncheon.

Commissioner Hicken said: “Through his passion, his unwavering commitment and efforts, he left an indelible mark on our nation… he understood that authentic leadership required courage and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people he served. As we remember Dr. Luncheon, let us remember the lessons he taught us – he exemplified that progress is possible when we come together with a shared purpose; that unity can triumph over division.

“He provided invaluable guidance to the Guyana Police Force on implementing Standing Operating Procedures and more…the Guyana Police Force benefitted immensely from the guidance and efforts of Dr. Luncheon.”

Brigadier Khan said: “His

commitment to the security of our nation and the development of our ranks was evident throughout his tenure. He recognised the critical role that the Force plays in safeguarding our sovereignty and maintaining peace without our borders.

“His efforts served to boost morale and loyalty among members of the Force. As a result of his strategic vision and dedication to this sector, the Guyana Defence Force became a more formidable and professional Force, capable of addressing emerging challenges…Dr. Luncheon was impactful in many ways across the security sector; he laid the foundation for many successes in our security forces…the fruit of his efforts will continue to serve this country well.”

Following the funeral service, Dr. Luncheon was cremated during a private ceremony, at Memorial Gardens, on Tuesday.

Tributes from scores of Guyanese preceded ‘Doc’s’ final farewell.

LIFE ON HIS TERMS

At the close of Tuesday’s ceremony, in his way, having the last say, Dr. Luncheon, via a recording from June 19, 2019, recited his eulogy, detailing the experiences of his

rich life. “This is my story, from 1949 to 2019,” he ended the eulogy as saying.

Born on July 17, 1949, Dr. Luncheon passed away on August 2, 2023.

A paternal twin, Dr. Roger Forbes McDonald Luncheon, was born in Bent Street, Wortmanville to Sybil and Randolph Luncheon. His early formal education started at the Kitty Methodist School.

Subsequently, he attended Hoydal Primary School, from which he gained a Guyana Police Bursary Scholarship to attend Queen’s College (QC). Roger excelled both academically and athletically.

He played field hockey for the Guyana Sports Club and the Guyana National Hockey Team. After graduating from QC, he accepted a teaching position at Tutorial High School.

In 1969, he left Guyana for Howard University in Washington, DC, where he received his undergraduate degree in Biology with Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honours in 1972.

He attended Howard University’s Medical School where he completed the three-year accelerated programme in 1975. Roger achieved board certification in Internal Medicine and

completed his fellowship in Nephrology in 1980.

From 1980 to 1992, Roger worked at Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he took pride in treating his patients with care and compassion.

In 1982, he joined the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and later became a member of their Executive Committee. After the 1992 elections, he served full-time in many capacities in the executive branch of the Government of Guyana until 2015, and then from August 2020 to the time of his passing. His roles included the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Secretary to the Defence Board, the Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme, the Coordinator of the Civic Defence Commission, and Special Adviser to President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali.

Roger was the longest serving Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary to the Defence Board. Additionally, he worked closely with volunteers of the medical missions to Guyana, where he committed time to help them accomplish their goals.

Mahdia CoI hearings to commence next month — team to visit

community today

By Clestine Juan

THE public hearing of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the devastating Mahdia dorms fire, which claimed the lives of 20 children, is set to begin next month.

This announcement was made by the CoI's Secretary, Javed Shaddick, during a media briefing, on Tuesday.

Chaired by retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Major General Joe Singh, alongside Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos' Council (NTC), and Attorney-at-law Kim Kyte-Thomas, the CoI is embarking on a journey to seek the truth behind this heart-wrenching tragedy.

As part of their preparations, the CoI team is scheduled to embark on a familiarisation visit to Mahdia on Wednesday, August 23.

Shaddick told reporters that this visit aims to provide the commissioners with an in-depth understanding of the area, local communities, and pertinent aspects crucial to the investigation.

The team will visit Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapao, all villages where the young victims resided.

Shaddick pointed out that the public hearing is expected to commence in September once other preliminary matters are addressed.

Witnesses have already been notified, and the CoI's Terms of Reference (ToR) stipulate that the inquiry will span up to two months, with a possibility of extension by the President if deemed necessary.

Given the sensitivity of the case, the Guyana Chronicle understands that a location for the hearing is still being considered, since the safety and wellbeing of the witnesses is top priority.

Ovid Williams, a respected figure in the promotion of indigenous languages and culture from the Patamona tribes, will assist the commission with translation, ensuring that cultural nuances are accurately conveyed.

Given that children are central to this tragedy, the CoI will adhere to the strict guidelines of the Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant regulations.

“This inquiry is a little

different from the last one [Elections CoI] and we have to be very careful of how we deal with it because children are being looked at and we have to protect the rights of the child at all times.

“Even though it is a public inquiry, and the public has a right to know, there are safeguards against what can be done and what cannot be done,” Shaddick said.

As a result, the CoI plans to conduct in-camera hearings for the victims to miti-

gate any potential trauma.

Last month, the government took steps to alleviate the suffering of the victims' families by announcing financial assistance of $5 million each.

This compassionate ini-

tiative, according to the President, will not impede the CoI's work. President, Dr.

Irfaan Ali had previously assured aggrieved family members of full compensation in the aftermath of the fire.

These commitments were formalised in written agreements to ensure transparency in the allocation of public funds.

In the agreement, the government pledged to continue to offer such support as may be necessary to the victims and their families.

Given that public funds are being expended, and recognising that these expenditures will have to be transparently accounted for, the agreements were translated into writing.

On May 22, the country was plunged into mourning after a fire that authorities said was maliciously set, ravaged a secondary school girls’ dormitory in Mahdia.

At the time of the fire, 56

of the girls were present, as three had gone home to their families for the weekend. The children housed at the ‘dorms’ came from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapao.

Initially, 18 girls from the ‘dorm’ and a five-year-old boy, who was the son of the ‘Dorm Mother’, perished in the fire, but another student who was injured in the fire, passed away a few days later. Several of the survivors were airlifted to Georgetown for emergency care. One critically injured girl was medevacked to a New York health facility for further treatment, and has been released.

Meanwhile, a 15-yearold student has been remanded to a juvenile facility on 20 counts of murder.

Javed Shaddick

Dr. Roger Luncheon: A Life of Service

DR. Roger Luncheon was laid to rest after several decades of service to the Guyanese people. Hundreds of people from all walks of life turned out to pay their last respects to an outstanding son of the soil at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, where glowing tributes in his honour were paid by the government and party leaders including President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice-President and General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP). He died on August 2, 2023, after a period of prolonged illness.

To say that the late Dr. Luncheon has served his country well would be an understatement. He was a public servant par excellence, someone who loved

what he was doing in service of the people.

Despite functioning at an elevated public office, he never lost the common touch; many lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Dr. Luncheon served as Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Secretary to Cabinet and Secretary to the Defence Board from the time the PPP/C assumed political office in October 1992, the first democratically held elections after nearly three decades of PNC dictatorial rule. The fact that he served in that capacity for almost the whole of his working life speaks volumes to his competence and his professional acumen.

Dr. Luncheon was a trusted member of the party and the PPP/C administration. His intellectual and

strategic inputs invariably informed decision-making, both at the levels of party and government. His opinions and judgement on fundamental issues of politics and governance proved invaluable especially during periods when the political opposition sought to undermine the rule of law and constitutional rule.

He lived a full life. He excelled in the field of academia as he did in politics and in sports. Many may know of him as a politician and as a medical doctor but he also represented his alma mater Queen's College in sports.

Dr. Luncheon's life is worthy of celebration and emulation. His life and work is testimony of the fact that there is virtue in service and that service is truly a sacred duty. Indeed, as Dr.

Luncheon has shown by his strength of example, there can be no higher form of service than service to humanity.

He had a sharp intellectual and analytical mind. After finishing his secondary education at the premier secondary school Queens College, he proceeded to the United States where he obtained a Degree in Medicine from Howard University.

On his return to Guyana, he was influenced by Dr. Cheddi Jagan and became a member of the then opposition PPP where he quickly ascended to leadership positions in the party, having served in several party committees, including the Central and Executive Committees. He sooner became a formidable political adversary, both feared and respected by the political

opposition. He never, however, allowed politics to get in the way of his professionalism to the extent that several leading members of the political opposition felt comfortable enough to reach out to him for medical advice and care.

In paying tribute to Dr. Luncheon, President Ali was high in praise for his professionalism and rigorous work ethic which he described as “a gold standard for the public service”.

He was also commended for his loyalty to all of the presidents he served under and for his total intolerance for those, who in his opinion, have betrayed the cause of the party and the principles and values it embraced.

Despite his stature and high office, he remained

simple and deeply rooted with the masses for which he was greatly respected and admired.

Dr. Luncheon was attracted to PPP politics because of his working-class orientation and the impact of Dr. Cheddi Jagan on his fertile and analytical mind.

There are not many who have claim to that unique distinction of reading his or her own eulogy. After it became apparent that his time was coming to an end, Dr. Luncheon began preparing his eulogy, which was delivered electronically at the time of his funeral, yet another display of his courage and ingenuity.

May his soul rest in peace!

Dr. Terence Yhip’s book on Guyana’s oil is a must read

Dear Editor,

Terence Yhip, a Ph.D from McGill University, is a solid as they come with outstanding academic and professional credentials in banking and finance in various international settings. He taught briefly as a Visiting Fellow at University of the West Indies, Mona.

He has written a text book on credit risk and lending. He hails from Canje, and, despite his decades abroad, he has not lost his authentic “Berbice brogue” accent.

In 2020, he wrote and published “From Rags to riches: Is Guyana ready for the oil boom?” It discusses

the pros and cons of Guyana’s oil boom, and the risks of resource curse and Dutch disease.

In layman’s language, the book explains a production sharing agreement (PSA) so the general public may understand the 2016 ExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement and its gross inequities.

The book has just been updated with a new Preface that brings the reader up to date with the major economic developments, including the new PSA and what it means for new contracts outside the Stabroek Block.

It is available on Amazon and at Austin’s bookstore.

A Kindle electronic edition should be out before the end of this year. The following gives a flavour of what to expect:

Guyana is experiencing a growth surge, which is not unique to Guyana. The surges, typical of oil-rich economies, usually give way to growth deceleration and even economic stagnation. What’s more, the countries remain resource-dependent;

The oil money is being used for productive investment transportation, human capital (hospitals and schools), housing, and energy. The Gas-to-Energy Project is the largest capital project that Guyana has ever

invested in.

US$1.5 billion has been saved in the Natural Resource Fund, a positive start compared to other oil-rich countries that had been exporting oil and gas for many decades and have little, in absolute dollars or in proportion to the tens of billions earned; The government’s emphasis on growth rather than blanket income distribution, much leaking out in imports, is a wise decision;

A reminder to policymakers that growth and development is not a sprint but a marathon. Guyana has proven to the rest of the world its capacity for growth; it must also prove its capacity for

development; and

The provocative but honest question that comes at the end: Can Guyana go ‘from rags to riches and to rags?

The book neither applauds nor disparages political parties, political leaders, or governments of the day. However, while Dr. Yhip gives the current government credit for laying the foundations for future growth and development, he cautions against the governance risks that tend to accompany “oil money”: Unequal distribution of economic opportunities, and uncontrolled spending that would cause macroeconomic instability and lead to Dutch Disease, all

of which would deepen the racial divisions and trigger a brain drain.

The book is an excellent and timely work which anyone having anything to do with managing Guyana’s new found wealth would do well to read.

Can Guyana go ‘from rags to riches and to rags again? You are invited to read the book for the necessary information and analytical tools to make your own judgement.

Yours faithfully, Sieyf Shahabuddeen

The Vreed-en-Hoop/Plastic City issue

Dear Editor, PLASTIC City, as it is popularly known, is a slum area at the Vreed-en-Hoop Jetty area. This settlement emerged and grew as a result of squatting; which to date remains illegal. However, this practice has been allowed to thrive for years and regularly causes problems. This is because squatting often occurs in areas proposed for future development, etc….

The 200-plus residents who reside there are now expected to be moved, as the development associated with the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Project has reached there. Editor, I believe development should not be

hindered by illegality.

Nevertheless, the relocation of those persons must be done in a humane way. It is obvious to me that these people cannot afford appropriate housing and have to be assisted.

Editor, successive governments have failed to arrest the issue of squatting insomuch that this lawlessness has become commonplace in our country. Everyone needs to be able to live somewhere, but that decision has to be made in keeping with legal expectations and anything less ought not to be condoned.

There is already an established belief that the fast way to acquire a house lot is to squat where development is going to take place. You

are prioritised over those who follow the procedure; as lengthy as it is.

The Leader of the Opposition has taken umbrage with the issue. This is almost an expected position to be taken by the Opposition of the country. It is rather unfortunate, however, the politicking of the plight of our Guyanese brothers and sisters; squatting in that area.

The posture of the opposition closely resembles their position on the Mocha tragedy and this we must be vigilant of. The PPP/C is being blamed and demonized as Aubrey Norton seeks attention for himself when his party neglected those same persons, yet now he demands the government. The audacity.

The Opposition Leader, however, ought to know that his party whilst in government had promised the persons living in that area to have their concerns addressed and to have them relocated in January of 2019. The APNU+AFC simply deceived those people.

It was none other than former President David Granger who promised those living in Plastic City a good life in February 2020. The APNU+AFC failed to deliver on its promise to the residents of Plastic City; as it's typically their style.

Again, on March 15, 2020, the former President vowed to establish a National Squatters Resettlement Commission to end squatting in Guyana; again, mentioning Plastic City. However, during that period the APNU+AFC government was illegal and they were creating distractions from the concluded elections.

The Vice President of Guyana has assured persons that the government is now aware of the issue and will take appropriate actions to assist those affected, as the government has a ‘sympa -

thetic ear” and the residents will be engaged.

This is wonderful news as it reflects this government's caring and considerate nature in the welfare of the citizenry. As we have witnessed at Mocha, Success and elsewhere where persons were relocated or compensated or both.

This PPP/C government regularly demonstrates a different quality of leadership and it is worthy of mention.

Yours truly,

Brian Azore

CIOG condemns Layne’s disparaging remarks against Muslim women — demands an apology for ‘crass Islamophobia’

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), on Tuesday, condemned the disparaging remarks against Muslim women made by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member, Rhonda Layne and said that an apology should be issued

“We deem the comments of Ms. Rhonda Layne, an executive member of the WPA from Den Amstel, to be an example of crass Is-

lamophobia,” the statement read.

Layne, during her remarks at the Cuffy 250 Committee Forum, disparaged Islam and proceeded to imply that the religion oppresses women.

“In a Muslim’s life, a woman is only there to be a home-maker, a child bearer and everything that is against the women,” she said.

According to the CIOG,

the statement made by Layne is a narrative peddled by hate-mongers that is aimed at degrading and ridiculing Muslim women.

“Saying that Muslim women are only good for two things - the kitchen and the bedroom - is insulting to all women, and, more specifically, Muslim women who have and continue to play a vital role in the development and prosperity of our country.

“Muslim women in Guyana own businesses, serve as educators, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and even in uniform, to help keep our nation safe and secure,” the statement read. While addressing Layne’s subsequent remarks that she attended a “Muslim affair” and all of the women were seated at the back and the men were in front, the CIOG said: “We are happy that Ms. Layne took time to

attend a Muslim gathering and we invite her to overcome her irrational phobia of mythical “body-snatchers” and attend more.”

Furthermore, it was said that the generalisation that all “Muslim affairs” are all the same is patently false, malicious and misleading.

Using the example of the wedding celebration that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali attended at the Leonora Masjid compound on August 19, the CIOG stated that the women sat with their families at nicely decorated tables without any separation.

Additionally, it was further emphasised that there is no rule that determines

where a woman sits at a Muslim gathering in Guyana and it is not linked to religion but instead personal preferences, accommodation, among other things.

“We call on the leaders of the WPA and APNU to refrain from disparaging Guyana's established faith traditions in order to advance a political agenda. Inciting hatred by targeting members of our country's faith communities is a dangerous and perilous road to travel and all law-abiding citizens of Guyana should stand on guard against it,” the CIOG said.

Three-year anniversary must be celebrated

Dear Editor,

THE PPP/C is celebrating three years since its return to office. The accelerated fast-paced development that Guyana has experienced, however, points to a much longer stint in office.

The President Ali-Led PPP/C government must be commended for its resilience and ability to bring insurmountable prosperity to Guyanese even in the face of much uncertainty and challenges.

The PPP/C Government returned to office following a dramatic 2020 regional and general elections characterised by a most brazen and unforgettably daring attempt by the APNU + AFC to deny the will of the electorate.

Upon government’s ascension to office, leaders were greeted by the COVID-19 global Pandemic that was at the time ravishing the world.

Throughout the PPP/C’s three-year return to office, there was no shortage of challenges including flooding, the war in Ukraine, the more recent Mahdia fire and so many other issues that the

government had to negate to achieve its immeasurable success

For many, it is admirable the level of development that the Ali-led government has brought to Guyana since returning to office. Guyana now boasts the fastest-growing economy in the world owing to the booming oil and gas sector and undeniably sound economic planning by the Government of Guyana.

As a country, we have seen development in all sectors including education, healthcare, and social services, all with the single aim of improving the lives of Guyanese.

Guyana’s widely revered infrastructural development has not only brought ease to citizens via improved road networks, but also provides employment opportunities for many in the field of construction. The government’s aggressive plan for housing has placed countless Guyanese in their own homes in just three years.

A primary source of national pride for many; however, is the work done to improve Guyana's image on the world stage. Guyana has

emerged as a world leader on many of the most pressing global issues under the stewardship of the Ali-led government including food security, energy, and global warming.

Additionally, improved international relations and image have seen increased partnerships with regional and international players. These partnerships again bring many opportunities for the people of Guyana to invest and grow their economic prospects.

A reflection of the government's first three years in office since its triumphant return is a definite cause for celebration.

Congratulations are in order for not only all what the government has so far achieved, but also for the massive projected potential for further development in Guyana. Guyanese will do well to remain invested and engaged as they anticipate with much elation, our country’s bright prospects ahead.

Regards, Erin Northe

Not even half of an apology

I HAVE written several times since the APNU+AFC lost power in August 2020, that if someone comes from another planet and sits in the audience and listens to the addresses of African leaders in person, on social media and in the print media, they would refuse to believe that these very leaders that lament what they see as the African condition since 2020 were in power for five years – 2015-2020.

You listen to the deliveries, social media commentaries and the writings in the press, and you are forced to ask when they are going to apologise to African people of this country for the wrong things they have done to African Guyanese themselves.

And it does not have to be a sycophantic apology; rather it could be an explanation with expressions of regret. When this is done, both African Guyanese and the country will show greater respect.

Former president, Mr. David Granger has a weekly social media programme – the Public Interest. In none of those items, Mr. Granger looked back at the time he held the presidency.

Dr. Clive Thomas is a weekly columnist with the Stabroek News. There has never been a week in which Dr. Thomas reflected on his role as CEO of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) and Chairman of GuySuCo.

All the energies of the former rulers are directed to what the current government ought to be doing for African Guyanese but not a word as to what they should have done when they were in power. I believe African Guya -

nese would like to have explanations and even half an apology is expected on the following:

1- President Granger commissioned an enquiry into the public service. One of the recommendations was the urgent need to up the retirement age from 55 to 60. It never happened. Why Mr. Granger feels that African Guyanese are not interested in knowing why this particular recommendation was put on the shelf when the change would have benefitted African Guyanese.

2-AFC parliamentarian, Michael Carrington, put his name to the Bill that was to completely overhaul the sentences for possession of marijuana. The Bill was put on the order paper to be read in 2016. Mr. Carrington told the media that he was instructed by APNU chief whip, Amna Ally, not to proceed. To this day, African Guyanese who bear the brunt of prosecution from marijuana possession are contemptuously treated through the denial of an explanation.

3 – Former Deputy CEO of SARA, Aubrey Retemyer revealed on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show that he proposed an unused section of the doctors’ quarters on Quamina Street be refurbished to use as head office for SARA instead of paying substantial sums each month to the Muneshwar family for its house on Main Street. Mr. Retemyer said his suggestion was never debated.

Yet this same Thomas is a weekly guest of David Hinds on a social media programme named Politics 101, and to date, Thomas has never reflected on Politics 101 about his time in government. Dr. Thomas spoke at

an in-house meeting in Buxton in 2017 and told his Buxtonian audience there should be cash grants from oil revenues.

Subtly playing on the ethnic consciousness of African people, Dr. Thomas named the cash grant suggestion – the Buxton proposal. All over the world, radical economists refer to it as “cash grant from oil.” It is obvious why Dr. Thomas named it the Buxton proposal.

A few months back, he wrote a series of articles on the theoretical foundations of the cash grant delivery which he keeps referring to as the Buxton proposal.

But we are yet to hear from Dr. Thomas as to when he was chairman of GuySuCo, the decision was made to close the Berbice sugar estate, jeopardizing the lives of thousands of Berbicians. Why APNU+AFC leaders refuse to see they have an obligation to discuss these past situations with the Guyanese people?

4- Former Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, is completing publication of his speeches in parliament.

For a brilliant scholar with a rich history in politics, why Dr. Roopnaraine feels Guyanese would be more interested in reading about his parliamentary deliveries for five consecutive years between 2015 and 2020 rather than informing the na-

tion about his role in government.

And why he was first appointed as Minister of Natural Resources then

moved to the Ministry of Education. Honestly and sincerely speaking from my heart, I have no interest whatsoever

in reading Dr. Roopnaraine’s parliament speeches.

A whole chunk of Guyanese history is missing because leaders in the PNC, WPA and the AFC do not want to talk about their role in power between 2015 and 2020. At least they can amplify or hide or blackwash things but they have a deep, moral obligation to the nation to provide answers.

24 Guyanese complete first phase of SBM’s Trainee Technician Programme

— trainees benefitted from international upskilling in petroleum operations in Canada — female technicians excelling in their respective disciplines

SOME 24 Guyanese

completed Phase One of SBM Offshore Guyana’s Trainee Technician Programme in Advanced Skills Training in Petroleum Operations.

The trainees are now one step closer to being internationally qualified to function in various technical roles onboard the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating offshore Guyana. This is the second cohort of Guyanese that have been trained under this programme.

They received training at LearnCorp International

(LCI), a privately owned institution operated by Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Over the past year, the trainees received both theoretical and practical instruction in their respective disciplines which included Mechanics, Electrical, Instrumentation and Production.

On August 11, they were honoured with a small celebratory ceremony in Canada, where several trainees received awards for their outstanding performances. Several female trainees performed exceptionally well in their

respective disciplines.

Arantxa English received two awards— the LCI Safety Award by Discipline and the LCI Most Improved Trainee by Discipline, both within the Electrical field.

“I felt honoured and blessed that I was granted this opportunity to experience the programme and I feel well accomplished. I am grateful that they continue with putting out these programmes because it is important for young Guyanese generations to be involved in this sector as SBM Offshore has provided for us,” she said.

Ms. Shannon Tungcap was awarded the Best Trainee per Discipline in the Mechanical field while Ms. Selma Simon and Ms. Preya Singh attained the LCI Safety Award by Discipline in their respective fields of Mechanics and Instrumentation.

Mr. Kester Tobin was awarded the Best Overall Trainee and also the SBM Offshore Operations Manager Award Best Trainee per Discipline for his stellar performance in the Electrical field. He said he learnt a plethora of new electrical information that he was not exposed to prior to the training.

“I really appreciated this opportunity because it really helped me to grow over all in terms of safety, teamwork – it was a real wonderful opportunity and I believe that more youths should try to get into this programme because it’s a very great programme, you benefit a lot from it,” Tobin commented.

During the ceremony, Operations Manager of the Liza Unity FPSO, Mr. Ranieri Soares relayed a message from the company’s Group Human Resource Director, Ms. Anne Guerin-Moens, commending the team for its excellent performances, and emphasising the company’s

commitment to developing its capacity.

He said, “We are very committed to building local Guyanese as the Local Content Act stipulates. We are very proud to be part of this development of the whole country, and you are now ready to embrace SBM Offshore’s core values, which is Integrity, Care, Entrepreneurship and Ownership.”

SBM Offshore Guyana’s Human Resource Manager, Ms. Onecia Johnson applauded the team for a job well done.

“Your SBM Offshore family is delighted at your success and welcomes you to the team. We look forward to your return and the invaluable contributions you will make as you continue this journey within our operations,” she said.

The Trainee Technician Programme is one of several initiatives undertaken by the company to build the capacity of Guyanese to serve the local oil and gas sector, and is aligned with the company’s Local Content commitments to upskill Guyanese.

The 24 trainee technicians who recently completed their advanced skills training during Phase One of the Trainee Technician Programme

Courts Business Solutions, Home Makeover contest set to ‘elevate’ Building Expo

TWO dynamic initiatives will be introduced this week at the 2023 International Building Expo which will be held from August 24 to August 27, 2023 - one to improve business development and the other to win a complete home makeover.

One of the Expo's Platinum Sponsors, Unicomer Guyana, intends to launch Courts Business Solutions (CBS), the corporate sales and services division of its Courts brand for Corporate Guyana. The company, under its Courts brand, will introduce "Operation Transformation," a home makeover promotion where visitors can enter a competition for a complete home makeover sponsored by Courts.

Small, medium, and large businesses will receive business equipment, furnishing, and Ready Finance solutions through the CBS initiative by Unicomer Guyana Inc. There will be a focus on the hospitality, construction, and restaurant industry verticals.

Special offers and product features will also be announced at the Expo. The CBS service marks a significant step forward in Unicomer Guyana Inc’s commitment to empowering businesses, driving economic growth, and fostering innovation within the corporate community. Attendees will also have

Well brings much needed relief to over 200 Capoey residents

DRILLING of the well at Capoey, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, has been completed and some 200 residents there will soon be receiving potable water for the first time.

Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh, during a recent visit to the well site, commended the GWI in-house team that completed the work within reasonable time. The well was drilled utilising a Pat Rig acquired by GWI, earlier this year, to work in the hinterland regions.

Toshao of Capoey, Ralph Hendricks, who was at the site, watched as water flowed from the well in his community.

“This is now reality. We can see progress and we could see that you [the government] have fulfilled your promise. I am quite certain that the ladies will be happy having water here, rather than having to go to the lake, because of the distance and hot sun. This is a plus for us,”

he said with a smile.

The residents at the site also expressed similar sentiments.

Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall, who spearheaded the project, said the community has been mapped, tanks will be placed on the hilltop to obtain maximum water pressure, the connecting pipes to transmit the water are being acquired and soon these works will be completed.

The utility company will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the community for the execution of some aspects of these works. Through the MoU, residents of Capoey will be employed in the laying of the pipelines as well as the fencing of the area housing the well in their community. These workers will be paid by the government. GWI will disburse the money to the village council, which in turn will pay the workers for their labour. At a later time, the well at Capoey will

the opportunity to learn about the comprehensive suite of Ready Finance options that CBS will offer during the Expo.

“We believe in the limitless potential of Guyana’s business community, and Courts Business Solutions reflects our dedication to facilitating their success,” stated Mr. Vincent Gordon, Sub-regional Managing Director for Unicomer Guyana and the Dutch Caribbean. “With flexible products and financing solutions, we aim to equip businesses with the full suite of tools they need to thrive.”

In conjunction with the

launch of Courts Business Solutions, Unicomer Guyana Inc. will also be presenting the Operation Transformation Home Makeover promotion. This engaging promotion invites individuals to participate for a chance to win a life-changing home transformation experience. The lucky winner will witness his/her living space undergo a remarkable makeover, enhancing comfort and lifestyle.

Participants will be able to sign up on the spot or online. Details will be provided at the Unicomer booth at the Expo.

The Operation Transformation Home Makeover

promotion is a testament to Unicomer Guyana’s commitment to improving the lives of its customers. “We understand the significance of a comfortable and inspiring living environment. Through this promotion, we aim to create a lasting positive impact on one fortunate individual and their family,” said Mr. Gordon.

Unicomer Guyana invites all interested parties to join it at the International Building Expo for the launch of Courts Business Solutions and the Home Makeover promotion.

Well brings much needed relief to over 200 Capoey...

From page 11

be formally commissioned by the ministers of housing and water.

Now that the drilling of

the well at Capoey has been completed, Baksh has indicated that the Pat Rig will, in the coming days, be deployed to Pomeroon. In Pomeroon, new wells will be drilled at

Wakapau, Bethany, Akawini and Karawab before this year end.

Some 40 new wells will be drilled in the hinterland regions this year. This year,

the government has also allocated some $1.4 billion to increase access to potable water in hinterland communities. Over the past two years, access to potable water in

the hinterland regions has increased significantly.

Coverage in the hinterland has moved from 46 per cent in 2020 to 75 per cent in 2022. GWI is work-

ing to achieve 85 per cent coverage by the end of this year, 93 per cent coverage by the end of 2024 and full coverage in the hinterland by 2025.

CNOOC scholarship recipients to travel to China to begin petroleum science studies

THE first four Guyanese students in the CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) Scholarship Programme will travel to China on Friday, to commence their degree programmes for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Nechemiyah Levans, Aria Matthews, Ishika Singh and Nazeela Williams were officially awarded their fully funded degree scholarships in a simple ceremony at the

CPGL Head Office, Kingston in July.

The initiative, funded by CPGL, is part of a programme with the Ministry of Natural Resources to award 10 petroleum science-related undergraduate degree scholarships over the next three years.

Two more students will be selected annually over the next three years. CPGL is fully funding the costs of

education, transportation and living expenses for each student.

Upon completion of studies, each student is required to work with either the Ministry of Natural Resources or with CPGL for five years.

The scholars were selected after public advertisement by a joint panel comprising personnel from the CPGL and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

(Immediate left) Liu Xiaoxiang, President of CPGL; (immediate right) Vickram Bharrat, Ministry of Natural resources along with scholarship recipients and their parents

Water flows from the well at Capoey, Region Two

Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall briefs GWI’s CEO, Shaik Baksh on the work done at Capoey well

‘Private sector can play a greater role in infrastructural development’

— says proprietor of Sheriff Security and Sheriff Rental Homes

By Cindy Parkinson INFRASTRUCTURAL

development in Guyana is a primary focus, prompting Ameir Ahmad, proprietor of Sheriff Security Service and Sheriff Homes, to build over 1400 feet of roads in his Richmondville community in Providence.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Ameir shared that he thinks the private sector can assist the government in development if it wants to see Guyana take its “rightful” place at the top.

According to Ameir, “I have always believed that the government’s input alone cannot get Guyana to where we as a people envisioned it to be. I have always been vocal about this, and while I know that we as the private sector are giving back, I do think that we can give more through development and creating jobs. After I completed Sheriff Rental homes in Richmondville, I realised that it was an opportunity for me to deliver, by example, what I have been talking about all along. It would be unfair for me to just build the roads in front of my homes. I also saw that a number of persons, all from the same community, my community, use the road as well. Health workers, school children, lawyers, teachers, and elders, so I couldn’t just fix along my homes and leave the rest.”

The proprietor also explained to the Guyana Chronicle that even though he knew that the government would eventually fix the roads, he also understood that there were more important roads that needed to be done in that area.

“I had no doubt that the government would have fixed the roads regardless of whether the community is gated or not, but I also saw that we had areas right in Providence that were in more need than us. As much as I wanted my community to benefit from it, I also didn’t budget for it, but it was the right thing to do, I believe, and I am hoping that my fellow brothers and sisters in the private sector can do the same in their communities or in an area that may be in need of roads or any other

infrastructural development work. It doesn’t have to be roads alone. I can tell you it’s a rewarding feeling knowing that you are giving back, making a positive impact, or making a difference in people’s lives,” Ameir related.

In explaining the longterm benefits of such proj-

ects, Ameir said, “by investing in projects such as these, we are creating employment for the contractors, labourers, the persons who are bringing the sand, machinery operators, the hardware store owners, and so many others. Everyone is benefitting, and that’s the whole idea be -

hind these investments; we are helping people and their families through our workers’ skills. Any successful businessman will tell you that this is how we move forward at a faster pace by working together with both our private

Continued on page 14

Some of the roads constructed by the proprietor of Sheriff Security Service and Sheriff Homes, Ameir Ahmad, in the Richmondville community in Providence

“Private sector can play a greater role...

From page 13

and public sectors.”

The Richmondville community residents were contacted by the Guyana Chronicle, and they all showed their appreciation to Ameir for his kind act.

According to Antonio Da Silva, businessman/ land -

lord for tenants in the Richmondville community, “first of all, I would like to say thank you to Ameir for not only fixing the roads in our community but for using his own finances and machinery to maintain the main roads around his community. He has always given back to

the people in this way by donating the automated gate in front of the community, among other gestures. This recent gesture with the roads has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, knowing that my tenants wouldn’t have to complain about their vehicles being damaged anymore.”

Finally, Da Silva added that the residents have been motivated by Ameir’s gestures, and are also playing their role in ensuring that their surroundings are taken care of. “I would also like to say that in order for us to go anywhere as a country, we have to

start taking care of our own space that surrounds us. If everyone does that, then most naturally, our environment and country will have a facelift. It doesn’t

matter what class or category we see ourselves in, tidiness is what matters. Yes, I believe that the private sector can contribute on a larger scale.”

The proprietor of Sheriff Security Service, and Sheriff Homes, Ameir Ahmad

APNU+AFC claims disputed: former President Granger approved extension of exploration operations

THE Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a response to members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)+Alliance for Change (AFC), including Khemraj Ramjattan, David Patterson, and Dr. Vincent Adams, in relation to the approval of a one-year force majeure (FM) extension for exploration operations under the Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Stabroek Block, within the Stabroek Co-Ventures (Co-Vs).

In addressing the statements put forth, the Ministry clarifies that no extensions have been granted for production operations under any pre-existing Petroleum Produc-

tion Licence.

The Ministry points out that during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CoVs engaged in ongoing discussions with the APNU+AFC government concerning the pandemic's impact on petroleum operations. These dialogues led to the establishment of a Public Health Order, categorising petroleum operations as essential services.

Furthermore, the Ministry highlights that, in July 2020, in response to a request from ExxonMobil, the then APNU+AFC government approved a one-year extension for the Petroleum Prospecting Licence pertaining to the Stabroek Block. This extension

also encompassed the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks.

It is important to note that the 2020 Annual Work Programme and Budget (AWPB), which had received approval in 2019 during the APNU+AFC Government's term, was extended during the initial stages of the pandemic, a time of uncertainty regarding its ultimate impact.

In contrast, the Ministry underlines that the PPP/C government opted not to endorse FM extensions for both the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks, differing from the APNU+AFC's decision.

Consequently, the Ministry asserts that the statements made by the APNU+AFC lead-

ership not only reveal a contradictory stance but also expose their willingness to disseminate misleading information to the public. These statements demonstrate a lack of commitment to the advancement of the oil and gas sector, as well as a disregard for its development.

“Therefore, when the APNU+AFC leadership issued such statements, they not only highlighted their duplicitous nature but also exposed the depth to which they would go to misinform the public while at the same [time] displaying their contempt for the development of the oil and gas sector,” the Natural Resource ministry stated.

China to establish new batch of national parks

CHINA will establish a new batch of national parks, including Huanghekou, Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu and Kalamayli, in a steady and orderly

manner, Guan Zhiou, Head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (National Park Administration), said recently.

Speaking at the second National Park Forum held in Xining, capital of northwest China's Qinghai Province, Guan said China has adopted the most

stringent measures to strengthen the protection of the authenticity and integrity of the ecosystem, and promote the continuous improvement of ecological functions.

China's national parks are specific land or sea areas which have the main purpose to preserve the nationally representative natural ecosystems of the country and realize the scientific protection and rational use of natural resources.

In 2021, China established the first batch of national parks, with a protected land area of 230,000 square km. These parks, namely, the Sanjiangyuan National Park, the Giant Panda National Park, the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park and the Wuyishan National Park, are home to nearly 30 per cent of the key terrestrial wildlife species

found in the country. Following the establishment of the first batch of national parks, more than 390 mining sites have been closed, and nearly 100 small-scale hydroelectric stations have also been phased out, Guan said.

"The Sanjiangyuan Park realised the full protection of the source of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers and the Tibetan antelope population has recovered to over 70,000. In the Giant Panda National Park, more than 70 per cent of wild pandas are under good protection," the official added.

"Efforts will be made to promote high-level protection and facilitate the promulgation of the National Park Law," Guan said, adding that China will also increase the application of new technologies, build a world-class scientific research monitoring platform, and strengthen national park management capabilities. (Xinhua)

Global Times editorial: International community can hold Japan accountable indefinitely on this issue

THE Japanese government convened a cabinet meeting on August 22, and decided to initiate the op-

eration of dumping nuclear contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean on August 24, despite strong opposition both domestically and internationally.

This timing is filled with calculations by the Japanese government, being both premeditated and executed as a swoop.

Information obtained by the Global Times indicates that the final dumping date has been repeatedly changed, partly due to the intention of certain members within the Japanese cabinet to provide the Japanese people with a "last clean summer."

However, now it seems that even if it's the "last clean summer," the Japanese government is unwilling to allow the Japanese people and the entire world to experience it fully.

Just as the Chinese side said, "Japan's headstrong push for the dumping of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is undoubtedly placing the global marine environment and the health of all humanity at stake."

Once the floodgates of over a million tons of Fukushima nuclear contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean are opened, this won't be a matter of just a day or two. It will involve uninterrupted discharges for 30 years or even longer.

There is no precedent in human history for such a prolonged, large-scale release of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.

Considering the effects of radioactive material deposition, no one knows the extent of the severe consequences that will be brought once this Pandora's Box is opened. August 24, 2023, might well be recorded in history as a catastrophic day for the marine environment.

It needs to be emphasised that this by no means signifies Japan's success in overcoming its challenges; rather, it will inevitably incur costs far beyond its initial expectations.

Some of the costs, not yet visible, might even be more severe. This will result in significant harm by Japan to the overall interests of the

Global Times editorial: International community can...

From page 16

Asia-Pacific region, and an indelible permanent stain on its international reputation.

Japan will have to bear an enduring and inescapable responsibility in terms of marine ecological issues. It will face incessant criticism and accountability from the global community including its own citizens, indefinitely. In other words, Japan has committed a public crime without a statute of limitations, and in the end, it will realise that today's decision is penny wise and pound foolish.

Just in the past two days, individuals from the Japanese fishing industry once again firmly expressed their

"strong opposition" to the plan of discharging contaminated water into the sea.

The latest public opinion poll reveals that a staggering 88.1 percent of surveyed Japanese respondents are concerned about the potential damage to Japan's image due

to the ocean dumping plan.

This glimpse into Japanese public sentiment is quite telling. However, these views have not been accepted by the Japanese government, and it has not changed its established policy at all.

The hypocritical and

selfish face of the Japanese authorities is completely exposed to the world. Facing Japanese public opinion, fishermen's interests, the Pacific ecological environment, and the demands of neighboring countries, the Japanese government has chosen convenience and cost-saving.

The treatment of nuclear-contaminated water is indeed a scientific issue, but the Japanese government is not qualified to use science as an excuse.

The Chinese side, including the Global Times, has previously published many editorials pointing out the harm of the ocean discharge plan to the marine ecological environment from a scientific perspective. We won't go into

details here. We just want to ask the Japanese government a simple question.

As Japan announces the time for dumping, the Kanto and northern regions of Japan are suffering from severe drought and some agricultural water reservoirs in Niigata Prefecture have already dried up, resulting in withered crops in many farmlands.

Since the Japanese government repeatedly guarantees that the nuclear-contaminated water is safe, even drinkable, why not use this water for drought relief? The Kanto region is not far from Fukushima. Isn't it a huge waste to dump precious, safe-to-drink water into the

ocean?

China's attitude toward the dumping of nuclear-contaminated water is clear and consistent. It is based on the standpoint of safeguarding the public and long-term interests of humanity, including the Japanese people, rather than trying to pick a fight with Japan.

There is a Chinese saying, "Spilt water is hard to retrieve." Once the nuclear-contaminated water is discharged into the ocean, the consequences are irreversible. Japan cannot escape the responsibility it must bear.

GTA, THAG launch official Tourism Product Development Playbook

THE official Tourism Product Development Playbook was launched on Tuesday by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with industry experts, stakeholders and community leaders, and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).

According to a press release, THAG and the GTA were awarded a Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility (CCPF) grant to accelerate the development of the tourism circuit in the Essequibo Region in Guyana.

The project comprises two parts, one which focuses on creating a governance structure for the Regional Tourism Committees across the ten administrative regions in Guyana and one which forms the basis of the launch, a Tourism Product Development Playbook.

The comprehensive manual highlights the full processes and steps of product development, not just in the Essequibo Region but countrywide.

From phase one, identifying the tourism potential of the proposed product, to phase two, conducting a market readiness assessment, to phase three, building the actual tourism product and finally, phase four, launching the product.

It outlines guidelines that provide a structured approach to developing tourism products that appeal to visitors and respect the environment, culture, and heritage.

It also emphasises sustainable practices, community engagement, and experiential learning, positioning Guyana as a leader in responsible tourism.

During remarks by the Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh emphasised that the manual is part of a much bigger picture of the GTA and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce.

“The GTA and the Ministry, in their quest to develop new products, recently launched the Guyana Tourism Product Development Grant programme, which saw a number of new product ideas being proposed. We have received in excess of 10 new interesting and diverse experiences across the regions, including mountain biking, kayaking and community tours,” Baksh said.

He noted that the playbook will go hand in hand and play a very complimentary role with the grant for the operators who wish to put together these experiences.

“They will be privy to a detailed guide and financial resources from the government to ensure their products

are feasible. I think those are two very important aspects of making this all possible,” Baksh related.

He added: “We want to ensure that this booklet gets into the hands of passionate people, people who want to develop products. Additionally, in the coming weeks, we will launch the Community Tourism Guide and Entrepreneurial Programme, where we aim to create a community of guides, outfitters, and experiential providers who can take the booklet and develop these experiences within all of the regions. We want to fully unlock the potential of tourism in Guyana across all regions.”

Other special invitees who were present and delivered remarks were Omadelle George, the President of THAG; Lorena Salazar, Country Rep, Inter-American Development Bank; Mark Berman, Head of Mission, Canadian High Commission; Jane Miller, British High Commissioner.

Target Euro Representatives Santiago Soler and Brian Mullis were also present and guided attendees through a thorough presentation of the Playbook and the key areas of managing tourism development in the Essequibo Region.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh (foruth from left), President of THAG, Omadelle George (second from left) and other special invitees

Mining week awards kick-start week 2023 activities

UNDER the theme, “Promoting safety, sustainability, and economic growth for an inclusive

approach towards increased productivity within Guyana’s mining sector,” the Guyana Ge-

ology and Mines Commission, GGMC, officially launched Mining Week 2023,

From August 21st to August 27th, Mining Week will take place in several regions throughout Guy-

ana, with activities for everyone to enjoy.

According to a recent post by the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Incorporated, the organisation is thrilled to announce the upcoming Mining Week Celebration in 2023 which aims to foster a culture of safety, promote sustainable practices, and drive economic growth within Guyana’s mining sector.

There will be events like the GGMC’s Pork Knocker Day celebration; this includes a football competition with first and second prizes set at GYD $150,000 and GYD $100,000 respectively. Consolation prizes for traditional mining games (tocuba racing, shoveling and warishi race, batteling, bahir, and storytelling) all in Port Kaituma at the 4 Mile Ground and Puruni Landing on August 26, and on August 27 in Bartica at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.

In addition to this, the mining week started off with an awards ceremony, which consisted of new entrants in the quarrying sector; environmental stewardship; outstanding performer; top gold producer- small miners (4’’ and smaller); top gold producer- excluding traders/ dealers; top gold traders; top diamond producer; top diamond traders; top producer- quarry (stone).

The recipients of these

awards are, New Thriving Quarry, which was nominated for the New Entrant Award; for outstanding performer, Linda Hopkinson was nominated for this. The award for gold producer for small miners (4’’ and smaller) saw Viola Stoll as the recipient of that award; top gold producer – excluding traders and dealers saw Adamantium Holdings earning this spot; Top Gold Traders was presented to Gold Target Export. The company has secured its position as the leading gold trader, with 21,479 ounces, while Gago Gold Inc. came in second place with a noteworthy 19,166 ounces.

The title of top diamond producer was given to Luiz S. Lagoin, while the second spot was taken by Cassio C. De Almeida; the nominees for the top diamond trader nominations were Sophdiam and Vick Minerals who attained the second spot; And finally, the top producer – Quarry (Stone) was given to BK International Quarries, the leading stone quarry producer. In 2022, they impressively produced 373,945 tonnes and shipped out 383,527 tonnes of stone. Toolsie Persaud Quarries, came in after with a production of 355,272 tonnes and a shipment volume of 376,062 tonnes.

Kenya ‘s Faith Kipyegon...

From page 32

That was despite the 28-year-old appearing to ease off with his rivals comfortably behind and saw him qualify second-fastest for Thursday's medal race, after Olympic champion Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas pulled up with injury.

British team-mate Cindy Sember qualified for the semi-finals of the women's 110m hurdles heats with a fourth-place finish in 12.83 secs.

Nigerian world record holder Tobi Amusan, permitted to compete after she was found not to have broken anti-doping rules over missed tests, also qualified by winning her heat in 12.48.

Three Britons progressed automatically from their respective men's 800m heats, with Max Burgin (1:45.43) and Ben Pattison (1:46.57) both placing second and Daniel Rowden (1:45.67) third.

However, Jessie Knight was unable to progress in the women's 400m hurdles, finishing fourth in 54.51 in her semi-final.

Femke Bol, the firm gold medal favourite in that event, took a comfortable victory in 52.95 in her heat, easing off in the latter stages and qualifying second-fastest for the final behind American Shamier Little (52.81).

Elsewhere, American Laulauga Tausaga smashed her personal best by four metres to stun Olympic discus champion Valarie Allman.

Tausaga's 69.49m throw with her sixth and final attempt saw her leap up the standings, the 25-year-old sprinting to the stands to embrace her coach in celebration.(BBC Sport).

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips Bath

09:50 hrs Secret Handsheikh

10:25 hrs Sarvuccio

10:55 hrs Military Decoration

11:30 hrs Ciotog

12:05 hrs Surrey Charm

12:35 hrs Shazam

13:05 hrs Victoria

York

08:50 hrs Equilateral

09:25 hrs Ballymount Boy

10:00 hrs Gregory

10:35 hrs Paddington

11:10 hrs Robert Johnson

11:45 hrs Designer

12:20 hrs Starlust

Kempton

12:52 hrs Evenstar

13:22 hrs Aljezur

13:52 hrs Qirat

14:22 hrs Naqeeb

14:52 hrs Adela Of Champagne

15:22 hrs Two Tempting

15:52 hrs Doves Of Peace

Irish Racing Tips

Sligo

12:10 hrs Vadsa Queen

12:40 hrs Redwood Queen

13:10 hrs Arabian Diamond

13:40 hrs Gendarme

14:10 hrs Moonovercloon

14:40 hrs Tuff Days

15:10 hrs Hypersonic Missile

American Racing Tips

Saratoga Race 1 Mctigue

Race 2 Perfect Munnings

Race 3 High Front Race 4 Mission Hill

Race 5 April Antics

Race 6 Mischief Joke Race 7 Pioneering Spirit

South Africa Racing Tips

Scottsville

08:25 hrs Arverni King

09:00 hrs Rulership

09:35 hrs Fashion Mistress

10:10 hrs Forma Gear

10:50 hrs Mr Pigalle

Rauf takes five as Afghanistan fold for 59

…Afghanistan's spinners did well to restrict Pakistan to 201, but the team had no answers in the chase, crumbling inside 20 overs

FAST bowlers having batters hopping and swaying away is the perfect fire to the ice that is spinners having batters in a tangle. In Hambantota on Tuesday, the joy of watching bowlers do their thing reached a perfect crescendo, with Pakistan bundling out Afghanistan for 59 to secure a big win.

(Scores:Pakistan 201 (Imam 61, Iftikhar 30, Mujeeb 3-31, Nabi 2-34, Rashid 2-42) beat Afghanistan 59 (Rauf 5-18, Afridi 2-9) by 142 runs.

First, the spin trio of Afghanistan - Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi - spun Pakistan out for 201. Then, Pakistan's pace treble of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah put in a fiery display to skittle Afghanistan out for their second lowest ODI total, to win the first ODI by 142 runs.

Rauf picked up five wickets for 18, his best effort in ODIs, after Afridi and Naseem started the Afghan downfall. Afridi began by bouncing Ibrahim Zadran out in his second over before having Rahmat Shah flick a full toss to short midwicket off his next ball.

Naseem, who had Gurbaz in a leash with his high pace and movement, dismissed Hashmatullah Shahidi off a bouncer. It got big on Shahidi, who went for the pull and almost cleared forward square leg. But Shadab Khan jumped towards his left and lobbed the ball up, before catching it in a single motion while landing down to dismiss the Afghanistan captain.

With three of the top four batters out for a duck, there was not much to write home about of the rest of the Afghanistan batting show either. Rauf began his spell with a nip-backer that Ikram Alikhil, playing an ODI for the first time since November 2019, inside-edged to the wicketkeeper. Gurbaz was never comfortable throughout his

Beacons maintain perfect record in the City

BEACONS FC are one win away from being crowned Champions of the Georgetown FA Senior Men's League (SML).

The former City Champions notched up their 6th win from as many games in the 9-team League, recently reduced to eight after the expulsion of Camptown FC.

In one of last Sunday's 3 matches played at the GFC ground, Beacons were inspired, yet again, to victory by 43-year-old former Senior National, Anthony 'Awo' Abrams, who fired in a double to maintain the team's perfect run. Against the home side, 'Awo' opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and then sealed the win two minutes from full time. For GFC, Joaven Cole equalised in the 68th minute.

In the first match of the triple-header, Vengy FC brushed aside bottom team Order and Discipline FC 6-0. Eduardo Herrera led all scorers with a hat-trick (20', 38' and 52'), while David Escobar supported with a brace (65' and 68'), while Carlos Escobar opened the scoring in the 15th minute.

stay and feathered an outside edge to the wicketkeeper for 18, the top score of the innings.

Azmatullah Omarzai attacked his way to 16 off 12 with three fours before retiring hurt, even as Rauf ran through the middle order and finished with a five-for after Mujeeb miscued one to mid-on.

Earlier, on a hot afternoon, Babar Azam won the toss and Pakistan opted to bat on a dry surface but were reduced to 7 for 2 in two overs. Left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi troubled Fakhar Zaman with swing before nicking him off to slip. He slipped in an inswinging yorker on the second ball before getting one to move away, which Fakhar couldn't resist poking. Mujeeb, opening the bowling, slipped one full in line of the stumps that skid on, beating Babar's defence to trap him lbw for a threeball blob.

Mohammad Rizwan, back at No. 4 after batting at No. 5 in the previous series against New Zealand, looked to be positive from the getgo. He stroked Farooqi for two fours in the fifth over. First, he lofted a full ball aerially through the gap at extra cover before caressing one through the same region a ball later. Rizwan hit two more fours off Farooqi's next

over to get Pakistan's runrate up.

But Mujeeb, in his fourth over, trapped Rizwan lbw to set Pakistan back. He tossed up a carrom ball around leg that Rizwan missed in his attempted defence to the on side to be hit on the back leg. Replays showed it would have clipped the bails. Agha Salman, coming off a successful series against New Zealand at home in May, was stuck before being flummoxed by a googly from Rashid as Pakistan stumbled to 62 for 4.

All the while, Imam-ulHaq steadily carried on, punishing the bad balls from Farooqi but more importantly, playing Mujeeb, Rashid as well as Nabi's spin off the back foot. His half-century was a proper graft, in that it included just the two fours. He ran well between the stumps even as wickets fell around him.

But in a bid to up the ante against Nabi, he topedged one after coming down the track. However, Shahidi couldn't hang on after running back from cover. Imam got another life when a lofted drive to deep cover was shelled by Omarzai before a miscued pull fell just short of long-on running in. However, Imam's luck ran out when he looked to hit Nabi over mid-on, miscuing a shot to

Rashid, who took a tumbling catch after backpedalling.

Through his stay in the middle, Imam found an able ally first in Iftikhar Ahmed, with whom he added 50 off 69 for the fifth wicket, and then in Shadab for a 40-run partnership.

Iftikhar helped lead Pakistan's recovery by using the crease against spin and knocking them down for singles and doubles. He did not let short and wide deliveries go unpunished, using the cut shot for each of his two fours. But an offspinning delivery from Nabi, that held up in the surface, saw him chip a catch to short midwicket.

On the other hand, Shadab, playing just his fourth ODI in 2023, picked Rashid's googly early and smacked him over his head. He added a further 34 with Naseem for the ninth wicket before a direct hit from Mujeeb from fine leg saw him run-out at the bowler's end.

Afghanistan managed to bowl out Pakistan for the first time in ODIs, but a meek batting surrender meant their wait for a maiden win against their opponents as the format continues. (Cricinfo).

In the final game, East Veldt FC proved to be no match for Pele FC as they were dubbed 4-0. Jamal Cozier gave Pele the lead in the 10th minute and doubled the score in the 70th minute. Calvin Shepherd made it 3-0 after 75 minutes and five minutes from the end Gregory Richardson made it 4-0.

The GFA's Senior Men's League, like the eight other Regional Associations, is mainly funded by the Guyana Football Federation's Members-Financial Assistance Programme(M-FAP).

GCC gets support for Summer Camp

Geeta Persaud, Admin Assistant of QUEENSWAY Security Service Inc. presents the sponsorship cheque to GCC’s office Manager, Rudy Singh at the Club’s pavilion on Monday

A fiery Haris Rauf picked up his maiden ODI five-for • ( AFP/Getty Images)

Smith has eyes set on the World Cup after injury scare

AUSTRALIA star batter, Steve Smith disclosed how he played the last three Ashes Tests with an injured left wrist.

Smith is expected to be fit for Australia's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign in India in October-November.

The side will play a threegame ODI series against the hosts before featuring in the Cricket World Cup 2023. The five-time champions will hope that their star batter, who has 834 runs at an average of 46.33 in the event, is at his very best in India.

However, he’ll miss the upcoming limited-overs tour of South Africa starting on August 30. A build-up to the global mega event, Australia's visit to Africa comprises

of three T20Is and five ODIs.

Smith was a part of Australia’s T20I squad and was expecting to open the innings after a good showing in the Big Bash League.

“It's unfortunate, I wanted to go and open the batting in the T20s,” Smith expressed his disappointment while speaking to AAP. “Anyone would want to open in T20 cricket. It was cool to be able to show what I could do in the Big Bash. Hopefully I can replicate that internationally as well.”

Smith was the Player of the Match in the Lord's Test, for his brilliant 110 in the first innings which helped Australia secure a 43-run win despite a major onslaught by England skipper Ben Stokes on the final day.

Smith sustained tendon damage in his left wrist while fielding in the deep on the final day.

The Australia player revealed the extent of his injury and how he tried to overcome it.

“I must have just landed awkwardly. It was quite painful at Headingley (where the third Ashes Test was played). Even in the lead-in, I didn't hit that much in the nets,” Smith said.

“I was just trying to find a way to hold the bat that wasn't painful. After that, some shots I played, crossbat and back-foot punching I was sore. Trying to decelerate the bat was hard, or defending sometimes was sore. But it wasn't awful.”

Steve Smith notches up

his 31st Test century early on Day 2 against India in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023. Smith’s performance dipped in the third and fourth Tests, where he merely added 82 runs in four innings. However, the veteran returned to good form in the final game

at The Oval where he scored 71 and 54 respectively.

“Maybe it did, I’m not sure,” Smith discussed the impact of injury on his form. “I was a bit disappointed with my batting. I got a few starts but just didn't kick on to get a big score.

“I felt really good in the

BCB/RL Constructing Ltd under 15 tournament

first innings at The Oval, I probably hit the trigger a bit early. But until that point, I didn't feel as if I was going to get out. Even in the second innings I felt good there. But I just didn't capitalise on a few starts as much as I would have liked.” (ICC Media)

Hetmyer’s all-round brilliance leads Rose Hall Canje Arborsment to title

IN 2018, the Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club was a struggling organisation but with the assistance and co-operation of the proactive Berbice Cricket Board, the club under the dynamic leadership of coach Ameer Rahaman is today on the rise.

Last year, the Rose Hall Canje Arborsmart under-13 team won their first ever junior title when they won the BCB Romario Shepherd under-13 tournament. They added another trophy to their cupboard on Sunday last when they defeated power house Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes under 15 team by 79 runs to lift the RL Constructing Ltd title.

Playing in front of a sizeable group of parents and supporters, the visitors won the toss and elected to bat after the match was reduced to forty overs per side due to overnight rain and moisture on the pitch. The team was given a solid opening partnership of 85 runs by national players Adrian Hetmyer and Richard Ramdehol in 24 overs. Remdehol was caught off the bowling of offspinner Avinash Sooklall for a well-

played 25.

Hetmyer was joined by the attacking Lakram Singh and together they added a further 70 runs with Singh scoring 28. Hetmyer went on to hit a brilliant 109 before he was dismissed by Balraj Narine. Hetmyer struck eight boundaries on the lighting fast outfield and one maximum in a highly mature and responsible innings. RHCC innings closed off at 190 for 6 off their allotted 40 overs. Needing to score 191 to win another major BCB title, RHT Farfan and Mendes under 15 was rocked back by the fast bowling of Hetmyer,

who claimed the wickets of Munesh Rampersaud (7), Balraj Narine (1), national player Shobik Mohmaed (0) and Koomchand Ramnarace (2) to leave the home team at 32 for 4 in the ninth over. Leon Reddy (11) and Tameshwar Deonandan scored (10) before he was runout in a mix-up. Struggling at 52 for 6 RHTFM eventually reach 111 all out in 30 overs.

National under 13 all-rounder Raffel McKenzie showed his promise with a solid unbeaten 32, while the promising Matthew Perreira, the nephew of former nation-

al Under 19 captain Shawn Perriera, supported with 20. Bowling for the champions, Hetmyer claimed 4 wickets for 20 runs while J. Hemraj took 2 wickets for 21 runs as then RHTFM batsmen were run out.

The winning team took home $60,000 and the champion’s trophy while the runner up carried home $40,000 and a trophy. Chairman of the BCB Competitions Commit-

tee, Leslie Soloman congratulated Rose Hall Canje on being crowned the Berbice under 15 Champions. He also expressed satisfaction at the standard of play at the under-15 level stating that the future of Berbice Cricket is in safe hands.

Special thanks were extended to Rondall Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of RL Contracting Ltd for his sponsorship. BCB

President Hilbert Foster was loud in his praise of the outstanding work of the executives of the champions. The success, he stated, was due to sheer hard work and dedication. Foster stated that while he was disappointed that his club was defeated in the finals, he was delighted that Rose Hall Canje continues to excel on the cricket field.

The winning team after receiving their prizes

Steve Smith is expected to be fit for Australia’s Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign

Man of the finals, Adrian Hetmyer

SHA’CARRI Richardson’s dramatic 100m victory at the World Championships is a very significant moment in her career – and a weight off her shoulders.

What it means for the future is uncertain, but there is no doubt the 23-year-old has the talent to become a serial champion.

Whether she can deliver on that depends on the American’s ability to put behind her the things that have caused her to be inconsistent in the past.

What we witnessed from Richardson on Monday night represented everything we have seen from her since she first came on to the scene in 2019.

We have seen her fail dramatically to produce times that she should be able to easily produce. Just last year, at the US World Championship Trials, she was eliminated in the first round.

The way her competition unfolded was incredible. We saw both sides of Richardson as she went from almost crashing out in the semi-finals to running a championship record 10.65 seconds and beating the best in the world to gold from lane nine.

We have always known Richardson has huge potential.

But the issues she has faced have been very public and, whether she would admit this or not, there was a tremendous amount of pressure on her to eventually deliver on all of this talent.

Richardson splits opinion

globally – and in America too. There are people who understand that she has had a difficult time.

She came to the public’s consciousness in a major way two years ago, winning the US trials in emphatic fashion.

The very next day it all came crashing down because of a positive test for marijuana. Because of the rules in place – outdated in my view for a non-performance-enhancing substance, legal in many places in the US – she lost her place on the Olympic team. Many saw it as completely unfair but felt is good for the sport to have two dynamic personalities in Richardson and men’s 100m champion Noah Lyles at the very top.

While that alone will not save the sport, it will draw greater attention from sports fans and media.

The odds are that fellow American Lyles will go on to win the treble he targeted in Budapest. He is the best 200m runner in the world and has

been on fire this year.

The men’s 4x100m is a little bit trickier. The US certainly have a talented team but that does not guarantee victory in the relay.

Zharnel Hughes will probably have to run another personal best to make the podium in the 200m.

The British sprinter has put his demons behind him. All year we have seen him perform like a different athlete and I think he has figured out how to harness his potential.

Making the 100m podium could be a big moment for him – but I believe he could have won and I think he knows that too. He will carry that into next year as he targets the Paris Olympics.

If I had to predict the outcome of the men’s 200m, which begins on Wednesday, it would be Lyles’ first followed by a battle for silver between American 19-year-old Erriyon Knighton and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, 20.

I’m excited by the com -

Edwards hat-trick earns Chargers win, Carter fireworks take Warriors home

petition. I expect we’ll see between those three athletes going forward. Knighton and Tebogo are still very young and have bright futures but Lyles, still only 26, remains well ahead.

Based on her performance in the 100m, I think Dina Asher-Smith is carrying a little bit of an injury.

Being a British athlete comes with a tremendous amount of pressure and it is tough for many to deal with. The former 200m champion likes to control her own process and keep things internal. It has worked for her in the past.

While the issue is not keeping her from competing, it is certainly affecting her ability to compete at the level she would expect. Asher-Smith’s eighth-place finish was not the performance we expected to see and it’s difficult to imagine the 27-year-old now making the 200m podium.

In that event, reigning champion Shericka Jackson is going to be out for revenge because she really wanted to win the 100m.

The Jamaican and Gabby Thomas have a great rivalry going on, while Richardson, fresh from her first global gold, has run the fourth-fastest 200m this year after St Lucia’s Julien Alfred. (BBC Sport)

Everest face MYO, GCC & DCC battle in Semis

By Sean Devers

THE preliminary rounds of Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) T20 Cup for first-division teams were completed on Sunday last and Everest, MYO, DCC and DCC have qualified for Saturday’s semi-finals.

In the morning game, host Everest will battle MYO, while in the afternoon game, arch rivals GCC and DCC face-off at Everest.

In the last preliminary round matches, Everest trashed Malteenoes by 108 runs after opting to bat on a good track and fairly fast outfield and reached 194-5 in 20 overs National left-hander Ak-

couple

Malteenoes were bowled for 86 all out in 16 overs as Looknauth captured 4-12 and got support from Pestano who had 3-19.

In the afternoon match at Everest: GNIC beat Transport by five runs. GNIC scored 142/6 in the reduced overs off 18 per side. Vivian Crandon scored 55, John Champayne 29 and David Dick a quick 19 at the back end. Bowling for Transport, Rafael Singh took 4/15.

Transport in reply scored 138/6 when the overs expired with Riyad Latif stroking 53, Adrian Hinds 35 and Akeem Redman with 31.

Bowling for GNIC, Ovid Richardson had 2-26 and Jeremiah Benjamin 2/28.

FORT

LAUDERDALE, Florida, (CMC) – Former West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards unleashed a Man-of-theMatch hat-trick to fire Texas Chargers to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over New Jersey Triton’s in the US Masters T10 here Tuesday.

The 41-year-old Barbadian finished with three for five from his two overs, a spell which, coupled with Pakistani seamer Ehsan Adil’s three for 12, reduced New Jersey to 57 for nine from their 10 overs.

In reply, another Pakistani Mohammad Hafeez belted an eight-ball 27, with a four and three sixes, as Chargers motored to their target off just four overs.

Opting to bowl first at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Chargers were on top from the first over when Edwards removed opener Naman Ojha (1) and new batsman Yusuf Pathan (0) with the last two deliveries, with only two runs on the board.

First, Edwards got Ojha to miscue a pull to fine leg before having Pathan caught down the leg-side, pulling at another short delivery.

Adil then sliced through the middle order, accounting for the likes of former West Indies stars Chris Barnwell (9) and Danza Hyatt (10), before Edwards returned to complete his hat-trick with the first ball of the penultimate over, when he bowled Bipul Sharma for one.

Another former West Indies player, all-rounder Jonathan Carter, also starred on Tuesday as he helped power New York Warriors to victory over Dwayne Smith and Lendl Simmons’s Atlanta Riders by six wickets at the same Lauderhill venue.

Asked to chase 104 for victory, Warriors got over the line in a dramatic finish when the left-handed Carter lashed the final two deliveries of the game for sixes, with seven runs required.

With Warriors needing

22 from the final over, Carter blasted the first delivery from pacer Kamrul Islam for six before former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (15 not out) followed up with another six off the third legitimate delivery, to further reduce the arrears.

The 35-year-old Carter finished unbeaten on a 19-ball 41 which included two fours and four sixes, posting 42 with Misbah for the fifth wicket.

Earlier, Simmons topscored with 41 from 23 deliveries at the top of the order, putting on 81 for the first wicket with captain Robin Uthappa who struck 32 off 24 balls.

Smith finished on three not out as wickets tumbled around him, largely due to fast bowler Sohail Khan’s four-wicket haul.

In the other game played, Twenty20 legend Chris Gayle managed only 16 but his Morrisville Unity beat a California Knights side – featuring Ricardo Powell, Ashley Nurse and Denesh Ramdin – by seven wickets after overhauling a target of 101 with seven balls to spare.

shaya Persaud lead the way with shot-filled 88 with two fours and nine sixes, Clinton Pestano hit two sixes and

of fours in his unbeaten 28 while Richie Looknauth and Sauid Drepaul made 19 each.

‘Richardson has talent to become serial champion’- Michael Johnson

Richi Looknauth

Aksaya Persaud

Sha'Carri Richardson exults after her victory (Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Fast bowler Fidel Edwards celebrates a wicket during his hat-trick in the US Masters T10 on Tuesday.

(Photo courtesy US Masters T10 Media)

Tyrell and Hunter off to World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting C/ships

Twenty-three-year-old, T&T-based Guyanese powerlifter, Dominic Tyrell and 16-year-old Romeo Hunter along with Referee/Manager Franklyn Brisport-Luke are off to the World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting C/ships set for Romania, August 24th to September 3rd, 2023.

Tyrell left for Trinidad on Tuesday morning while Hunter and Brisport-Luke departed Guyana on Monday evening, via the Olge International Airport.

The athletes and lone official are expected to be in Romania by Wednesday morning ahead of the biggest competition of their careers, thus far. They

are both getting into Romania well ahead of their competition dates in order to acclimatise and be focused on the task at hand.

Tyrell will be contesting the Junior 74kg division (classic) with competition set for August 30th against 19 other athletes from Canada,

Spain, India, France, Italy, Singapore, Hungary, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain, Philippines, Kuwait, and Turkey. He would be

lifting on Wednesday, August 30th.

Also aiming to better his counterparts in the classic division, 83kg class, is Hunter who will take on 20 other lifters hailing from Finland, Italy, USA, New Zealand, Great Britain, Slovakia, India, Czechia, Ireland, Canada, Turkiye, Thailand, South Africa and Japan. Competition day for Hunter would be August 31st.

The Executive of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) is extending sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, and the Guyana Olympic Association for their support towards making the attendance

of the athletes and officials, possible for Worlds.

Meanwhile, this is the second World championship that the GAPLF is attending so far this year, Carlos Petterson-Griffith attended the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships held in Malta in June while the Federation will be sending a three-member team to the World Classic & Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships scheduled for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in October.

This Sunday the Federation would be hosting its 2023 Raw National Championships at the National Gymnasium from 09:00hrs.

United (Guyana) Inc on board with Strikers All Female Summer Special Domino Tourney

VSH Guyana Inc. who is the authorised distributor for Red Wing Safety products in Guyana and specialises in safety ASTM Class 75 footwear for men and women, just to name a few of its products, is once again on board in the Strikers Summer Special All Female Dominoes Tourney which is slated for August 26 at Strikers Sports Club, Meadow Brook Gardens.

In a simple presentation held at Strikers Sports Club saw the

Head of Business Development handing over 3rd place prize (inclusive of medals and trophy) to representative of Strikers Sports Club. In a brief remark Mr. Robertson welcomed the idea of having females bonding in a sporting discipline and hailed the idea of the organisers in conceptualising such a great gesture and has given assurance of VSH’s continuous support.

Entrance fee is slated to be $12,000 per team in which the winning team will walk away

with $250,000, Trophy and 9 medals, first runners up will receive $125,000, Trophy and 9 medals, third place will be $75,000 richer inclusive of a trophy and 9 medals. A bonus Fourth place is added and will receive $40,000 and a trophy. Once again as an incentive, Triple M Investments and Mr. Ryan Rambalak have donated two hampers each for the top players of the winning teams. Time for this event is slated at 15:00 hours. All interested female teams can make

contact with the organiser at +592 623-7670.

Other sponsors that heeded to the call and are on board of this initiative are 94.1FM, Austin’s Imports, Patterson Associates, Luminous Consultancy & Electrical Services, Big Boss Transportation Services, Dynasty Sports Club, RJ Services, Blue Flames Sound System, Star Party Rentals and Raphael’s Trading Enterprise.

IN photo, captain of Big Boss Female Team, Charlyn Barnwell receives the third-place trophy with medals and sponsorship cheque from Mr. Mortimor Robertson, Head of Business Development VSH United (Guyana) Inc. with organiser of the tourney, Roderick Harry

Federation President Franklin Wilson with Romeo Hunter (left) and Franklyn Brisport-Luke (right) on Monday afternoon

Former National youth cricketer benefits from Project Cricket Gear

FORMER National Junior cricketer, Chetram Balgobin is the latest talented young cricketer to benefit from Project “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana.”

Balgobin represented Demerara and Guyana at the Under- 17 and Under-19 levels. The hard-hitting left-hander, a member of Enmore Cricket Club, who also bowls off-spin, was the recipient of one cricket bat. At a simple ceremony, held recently, he was thankful for the token and promised to continue to work hard on his game. The project is pleased to be part of Balgobin’s development.

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $370 000 in cash, 13 colored cricket

uniforms, two trophies, 17 pairs of cricket boots, 31 pairs of batting pads, 32 cricket bats, 29 pairs of batting gloves, 23 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, five arm guards, two boxes, 10 cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets and one softball cricket bat.

In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by former National wicket-keeper Sheik Mohamed. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, 66 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from three junior gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 27 bats, two boxes, five helmets, 22 pairs

of cricket shoes, 15 pairs of batting pads, two thigh pads, one bat rubber, 24 pairs of batting gloves and two pairs of wicket-keeping gloves.

Two clubs in the Pomeroon area also received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club received 13 coloured uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails.

Other beneficiaries are the Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth

coach, Travis Persaud and softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme, will also benefit.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on +1 718 664 0896.

Chetram Balgobin displays his bat

World Championships 2023:

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon claims her third gold in dominant fashion

LAURA Muir finished sixth in the women's 1500m final as Faith Kipyegon claimed her third World Championships gold in dominant fashion in Budapest.

An emotional Muir, winner of world bronze last year, faded to finish in three minutes 58.58 seconds after the most challenging year of her career.

Kenya's world record holder Kipyegon appeared in control throughout, taking victory in 3:54.87.

Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji was second with Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan third.

Britons Katie Snowden (3:59.65) and Melissa Courtney-Bryant (4:03.31) placed eighth and 12th respectively.

'I gave it everything'Ireland's Mageean fourth in 1500m final Kipyegon has proven untouchable this year, setting three world records over as many distances.

The two-time Olympic champion led from the front, controlling proceedings at a comfortable pace when compared to that of her world record time of 3:49.11 set in June.

But that all changed in the closing stages, with the 29-year-old displaying her class and superiority as she effortlessly left her rivals behind with an injection of pace.

British team captain Muir's medal bid faltered over the final 200m as Welteji got closest to Kipyegon and Hassan claimed bronze

after recovering from her dramatic fall as she battled for 10,000m gold on Saturday.

Muir unable to match bronze after rollercoaster year

By her own admission, 2023 has been a "rollercoaster" for Muir and far from the distraction-free build-up she would have ideally liked before her latest bid to make a global podium.

The Olympic silver medallist unexpectedly split with long-term coach Andy Young in March, walking out of a training camp alongside team-mate Jemma Reekie after a falling out.

The uncertainty which

followed led to an inconsistent season in which Muir lost her British title - although she did hint at a return to form when breaking Zola Budd's 38-year British mile record in July.

Last year's gritty third place behind Kipyegon and Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia was deserved reward for the tenacious Scot, who had narrowly missed out on a medal at the previous three world finals by finishing fifth, fourth and fifth.

But there was to be no repeat of last year's podium at the end of a turbulent season - although she previously stated she already felt like a winner following sig-

nificant change away from the track.

"I thought I positioned myself for the race, I was covering moves but that last lap was crazy," Muir told BBC Sport.

"It's another one of those crazy finals but I feel like I won even before I came into this race because I'm happy," she added, taking a moment to compose herself.

"It's been hard and I can't thank the number of people who've supported me, it's been amazing."

Acknowledging teammates Snowden and Courtney-Bryant's efforts, she added: "These two have done great and I am so proud

of them. The only nation to have three athletes in the final.

"I'm proud of my performance and I gave it everything I could today. It's been hard but I'm excited for the future."

Gold a fitting end to Kipyegon's remarkable season

It was in her final pre-championship 1500m race before Budapest that Kipyegon broke the world record, leaving Muir a distant second at the Florence Diamond League.

In a remarkable season, the Kenyan also set a 5,000m record of 14:05.20 one week later in Paris, before going on to clock

4:07.64 to smash Hassan's mile mark in July, leaving her as one of the standout favourites in Budapest.

"I wanted to run my race," said Kipyegon. "We are all strong in the final. The ladies were very strong and I was pushing this race to that limit.

"These days in the 1500m, if you want to win [you must run] 3:55 and below."

Hassan, who set out to challenge for three golds at these championships, ensured she will take a medal home after she was left empty-handed in a late coming together with Tsegay over 10,000m - with the 5,000m, which Kipyegon will also contest, to come.

Hudson Smith impresses with record as Tamberi entertains

Arguably the most popular champion crowned on day four was Italian Gianmarco Tamberi, who received passionate support throughout as he claimed his first high jump world title.

Tamberi shared Olympic gold with Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim but he got the better of the three-time reigning champion, who had to settle for bronze, as he put on a show for his raucous supporters and took victory by virtue of his first-time clearance over 2.36m.

Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith cruised to victory in his men's 400m semi-final, setting a personal best and European record in 44.26 seconds.

Continued on page 26

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon produced a devastating last lap to win an unprecedented third world women's 1500m title in Budapest on Tuesday